LSU Keys to Victory

Odell Beckham Jr. has been LSU's top deep threat this season.Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Make More Explosive Plays

Johnny Manziel's favorite target is Biletnikoff semifinalist Mike Evans. When the two are in rhythm, there is not a better quarterback-receiver combo in college football.

Manziel is excellent at connecting on the deep ball, especially when he extends plays with his legs.

Evans and the rest of the talented receivers are superb at finding open space behind defenders when a play breaks down.

The LSU secondary must stay disciplined and keep everything in front of them. If not, Manziel will have a field day with deep passes.

LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger should have no problem connecting on deep passes either. Mettenberger only had 97 yards passing against the Aggies last season, 29 of which came on a touchdown strike to Kadron Boone.

The Tigers attempted to throw the ball deep multiple times last season as the Aggies loaded up the box to stop the run. But Mettenberger could not get on page with his receivers.

LSU will have ample opportunity to get the ball downfield on an average Aggies secondary.

Tackle Soundly

Few teams elude tacklers better than Texas A&M.

Manziel and Evans are tough to bring to the ground. Speedy sophomore running back Trey Williams has scored a touchdown in each of the Aggies' last three games on only 14 combined carries.

Players to Watch for LSU

LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger only threw for 97 yards last season against Texas A&M.

Mettenberger's pass protection was not the best, but elite Aggies pass rusher Damontre Moore is now in the NFL. Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. should have no trouble getting open, especially if their quarterback has more time to deliver the football.

Mettenberger should have at least 250 yards passing and two touchdowns on Saturday.

Craig Loston

LSU senior safety Craig Loston needs to play big against a team from his home state.

Loston is LSU's best tackler and will need to align his secondary properly against a powerful Kevin Sumlin offense.

Players to Watch for Texas A&M

4 of 6

Texas A&M running back Ben Malena rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown against LSU last season.Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Ben Malena

Johnny Manziel should perform better against LSU this season. The "Mustang" defense should not give him as many problems.

But if Manziel cannot crack the code, the Aggies will need to run the ball between the tackles. The Mustang formation features three defensive linemen and two linebackers, which leaves it open to being gashed on the ground.

Malena has been the Aggies best running back with 476 yards and nine touchdowns this season. He is more than capable of running the ball to keep the Tigers defense honest up the middle, no matter the defensive formation.

Deshazor Everett

Louisiana native Deshazor Everett will be pumped to play in his home state on Saturday.

Everett is a versatile defensive back who can line up anywhere on the field.

He forces turnovers, including the game-winner last season against Alabama. He allowed Kadron Boone to burn him in last season's game against LSU for the Tigers' only passing touchdown.

Everett must make plays against the run and pass on Saturday.

What They Are Saying

5 of 6

Jalen Mills says the depth of the LSU secondary will help out the Tigers immensely.Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

I think a year ago he was a runner. I think this year he’s a much more capable quarterback. I think he steps back in there, understands what to expect, and seems to be stronger in the ability to throw it.

LSU cornerback Jalen Mills believes the Tigers' depth could play a huge role in Saturday's contest, via The Dallas Morning News.

It is a day game. It’s going to be hot. If somebody catches a cramp or somebody may be gassed and may need to sit out for a play or two, we do have the depth for it...Your name could be called at any time during that game, so you have to be ready. No sitting on the sidelines.

You see it on TV, you see the camera shaking when it’s not supposed to...We all love and embrace that opportunity. That’s when teammates become best friends — when you go into a place when there’s blood, sweat and tears and you unite together and go against 100,000 people.

Prediction

6 of 6

Les Miles celebrates with defensive back Dwayne Thomas after the Tigers' victory in College Station.Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

There should be no shortage of points on Saturday.

Most casual fans tuning in on Saturday will be focusing on Johnny Manziel. Can Manziel's quest for a second straight Heisman continue with a stellar performance against LSU in Tiger Stadium?

While the focus will be on Manziel, the game will be decided when Mettenberger is on the field.

Texas A&M's defense matches up terribly against LSU.

The Tigers should be able to run and pass against the Aggies with ease. The offensive line should dominate the trenches much like what Alabama did to Texas A&M earlier in the season.

In years past, LSU has played lackadaisical football to close the season when out of the national championship picture. The Tigers need to avoid that at all costs.

If LSU shows up focused, the Tigers should win the game in a shootout. The Tigers get big games from Mettenberger and defensive back Dwayne Thomas.